This is what happens when you're bored. You're still in Christmas buying mode. And it's a slow day at the antique mall.
A few days after Christmas, my son and I drove down to a favorite antique mall a few towns over. It was more or less to just get out of the house and NOT go to a regular retail store.
I was sick to death of Target by then (blasphemy?) and wanted something tamer and more relaxing.
I had high hopes for a leisurely stroll through the antique mall, possibly finding a few leftover vintage Christmas items. But there wasn't a lot of vintage Christmas left at the antique mall.
Not a kitschy Santa blow mold in site.
Nary a Shiny Brite to be found.
And even though it's not Christmas related, you and I both know I had my eyes peeled for thermoses. No such luck.
We were about ready to head out and call it a day when we spotted HIM.
Not him as in Him, but him as in Dusty.
The cutest, rattiest stuffed squirrel you ever did see!
I playfully texted my husband a photo with the caption "Look who wants to come home with us!"
He, of course, took one look at the photo and said "When are you ever going to find a stuffed squirrel for that price again?"
Uh, not sure if that meant - "Buy him, he's fabulous!" or "You are NUTS and I'm just being sarcastic!"
But I chose to not have him elaborate any further and proudly purchased Dusty and brought him home with us.
To his forever home.
Oh, wait. Why did I name him Dusty?
Well, the years in the antique mall were not good to him.
Can you vacuum a squirrel? Does Dyson make an attachment for that?
JKaye
What makes Dusty so great is that he is sitting on that piece of tree limb. It looks like he was minding his own business, sitting in a tree, when someone with a big saw came along and did some pruning. And down did fall Dusty, limb and all!
Amy
I love your blog. And Dusty.
Christine Meissner
If you want to remove dust, you can use a cosmetic brush. They're very soft. You can also use a hair dryer to blow it off. Finally, my Shark vacuum comes with attachments for small objects. I use all these methods to clean my doll houses, & miniatures. Enjoy your new friend!
Pam
Ha ha!!! I'd have given him/her a home too. Remember, Dusty Springfield? So could be
boy/girl, either one. Just give a quick blow dry to remove some unwanted particles! Good buy.
Kari Wagner Hoban
I need to come to Ohio just to meet Dusty.
Oh and see all of my family too.
Fonda Rush
I'd like to see Dusty, and I could make a side trip to see my family in Ohio, too!!! People will come from miles around to pay tribute to Dusty. I can see it now.
Laura
Pam what a great quirky find- I look forward to seeing more of dear Dusty.
FLORENCE L SALMER
Uhhhhh.....OK. I'm thinking you WERE bored. What did your son think of him? But I guess he's kinda cute.
Pam
He got VERY excited when we found him that day. He's sitting on my son's dresser right now 🙂
Pat Miller
Glad to know someone else thinks squirrels are cute! A while back, a squirrel fell off the power lines by our home. We rescued it...it had died...so, decided to take it to the taxidermist.
Well, whataya know, he never called us back to say it was ready! So, HE thought it was cute, also!
I know you'll find he perfect place for Dusty. Hmmm...wonder if he was OUR squirrel?? 🙂
Pam
He doesn't have that burnt, hair sticking straight up look that I imagine when I picture a squirrel being electrocuted 🙂
Pat Miller
Yep, he looked normal...surprise, huh?
Vickie
Congratulations on the newest member of your family, Pam!! He is absolutely adorable! They say great minds think alike, and believe it or not, I held a distant cousin of Dusty's in my hands a few years ago, but unfortunately I put him back on the shelf and to this day I regret that decision. Please tell me you are a fan of the movie Funny Farm. If you're not, I suggest you watch it just to see if Dusty plays a small part in the movie. I'm laughing just thinking about Chevy Chase....hehe.
So, what are we looking for next? Perhaps a Scaredy Cat (Hope Floats)?
Thanks for a good chuckle and stay warm!
Pam
I had totally forgotten about the animals in Hope Floats!!! Yes, a Scaredy Cat might be on my list!